This video courtesy of StuffFlyPeopleLike

John Fleuvog was born and raised in Vancouver and spent his childhood working at his father’s drive-in ice cream parlor called the Luxury Freeze. This experience caused him to have a passion for cars and this industrial style can be seen in many of his designs. John Fleuvog has developed a philosophy that involves green elements. The use of natural materials and  handmade craftsmanship makes his shoes not only quality, but somewhat exclusive in quantity.  He uses natural latex from Havea trees, vegetable tanned leathers that do not release chromates, and hemp.  Some styles of John Fleuvog shoes are referred to as ‘vegan’ because they do not use any animal products.  Who can argue with shoes that are safe, eco-friendly and considerate of animals?

Pick up a pair of John Fleuvog shoes today at NEXT.  If you are curious about the brand or the man behind the brand, visit the John Fleuvog official site.

With all the lip synching, the annoying host, and excessive Country music, the 2011 Billboard Music Awards were more disappointing than the Bulls loss to the Heat.  Here’s why…

A.) The show was hosted by Ken Jeong who’s been in movies like The Hangover and Knocked UP.  Although his obnoxious behavior on the big screen suits the characters he plays, this same kind of humor did not translate well at a music awards show.

B.) Britney Spears was in TWO performances for barely a minute each, and lip-synched the entire vocal BOTH times.  I don’t know why anyone even asks her to perform, there’s no talent for what she does on stage. During the opening performance of “S&M,” Rihanna was singing live while Britney lip synched to the track. I was embarrassed for her.

C.) Bieber overkill.  Not only did he win awards, but the camera could not get enough of Justin Bieber. Okay, we get it. He’s the biggest teen idol out right now. I think the kid is lightweight talented, but enough’s enough.  I’m not a fourteen-year-old girl so I don’t believe the hype. Plus, I think the gold jacket he was wearing looked ridiculous. Does he think he’s Elvis?

The list of negatives goes on and on but there was a ten minute stretch of the show that was incredible.  Billboard gave Beyonce the Millennium Award and based on the performance she delivered last night, she’s deserving of it.  Beyonce is always innovative and progressive in her music AND her stage show but she took it to another level last night.  She performed her new single “Run The World” in front of a white background and she performed around projected images.  At one point in the performance, I didn’t know if I was watching the REAL Beyonce, or a projected image of her. Watch it for yourself.  You will be stunned.

I was also impressed at how humble Beyonce’s acceptance speech was. She even thanked the original members of Destiny’s Child. I thought that was cool of her.

Let’s hope Billboard takes note of the downfalls of this year’s show and corrects it for next year.  Before I go, I wanted to give a quick shoutout to Fergie’s light up dress during the Black Eyed Peas performance.  It made her crotch light up and radiate with electricity.  It was hilarious.  I wonder if she knew how that came across on camera. SMH

Images and video used in this post are courtesy of the Billboard Music Awards official website.

Jesty Beatz has taken music by the throat and filled the silence with his unique rap style.  Born in Cleveland as Darrel Greene, Jesty Beatz emerged into the music scene as a college student when he attended Ohio University.  His underground popularity and countless shows around campus helped prepare him for the big stage.  Not only has he been a part of multiple international tours, he has shared the stage with The Game, E 40, Sean Paul and many others.  After graduating college, Jesty Beatz relocated to Los Angeles, California where he continues to make his mark on the music industry.  I was happy to pick his brain with a few questions. Here’s what he had to say….

1.) How would you best describe your musical style?

Jesty Beatz: My music is a fusion of everything that I like. First an foremost as a fan of music– I make music that I enjoy listening to. That’s the secret to this whole thing.

2.) What was the worst job you ever had?

Jesty Beatz:  I’ve only had one job that I’ve considered absolutely terrible. The album that I’m working on (The Plot to Save The World) is a very deep project. I spent some time volunteering with causes to help the environment. One day I had to sort through trash bins associated with yard waste. It was supposed to be lawn clippings and compost to help make free mulch that people can use to grow plants, but people abused the service and would throw things away that weren’t intended for the project. Let me tell you– I showed up for two days and never came back.  The rest of my jobs were just learning experiences. Even as a janitor– I was around multimillionaires all day. I learned so much about business and human nature, that I am where I am today because of it.

3) Who is your musical inspiration?

Jesty Beatz:  Prince. I own everything.  All of the bootlegs, outtakes, soundboard rips… all of it.

4.) When did you discover your musical talents?

Jesty Beatz:  I wrote my first song at 10. Which is common now– but not for an 80′s baby.  I always had an ear for melody and counter-melody. The first melody I learned how to play was Sheila E’s “The Glamorous Life.” It came out exactly one month before I was born, so it was pretty early I guess

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

Jesty Beatz:  Probably June because of my birthday… but honestly I live in California most of the year and do what I love every day of my life… so does it really matter? Whatever month it is, that’s the best one.

6.) What makes you different from other artists?

Jesty Beatz:  I’m not afraid of criticism. The arts run in my family so I grew up bring critiqued. But also I’m aware of how subjective art is. Everything isn’t for everybody.

7.) If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

Jesty Beatz:  Love thy neighbor.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

Jesty Beatz:  Cleveland itself. Haha but not for long. I see everyone from all the way out here and I love it! Don’t stop!

9.) Who would you love to record a track with?

Jesty Beatz:  Anyone who is in that indescribable place. That place where inspiration flows and they are filled with ideas. I’m not about forcing music or doing power collabs. If you are musically free and honest– its game time. I sound like a hippie.

10.) What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?

Jesty Beatz:  I’ve been blessed to do a lot with no funding or backing.  It’s been just word of mouth from the fans and a crazy drive. Its hard to narrow it down to one experience. Either going on my first tour or performing in China.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Jesty Beatz:  Chocolate Chip Cookies for the rest of my life.

12.) What is your favorite cocktail?

Jesty Beatz:  I’m a notorious straight edge. I don’t drink alcohol. But the Dole fruit cocktails from when we were kids are bomb. They remind me of my dad.

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

Jesty Beatz:  Athens, OH because it forever will be a place built on love and good energy.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

Jesty Beatz:  Convince Prince to cover a song I wrote.

15.) What can we expect from Jesty Beatz in the future?

Jesty Beatz:  You can expect the future itself. The Plot to Save the World is finished. We start preliminary  tour rehearsals next week. Just more art in general.

I want to thank Jesty Beatz for sitting down with me.  For more on him and his music, visit jestybeatz.com or follow him on twitter @JestyBeatz

“Bindsay Bohan” by Jesty Beatz

1.) How would you best describe your musical style?

Britni Elise: R&B, POP, country and rock inspire my style; I grew up listening to many different genres.

2.) What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

Britni Elise: My favorite MJ song of ALL TIME is “Dirty Diana”. I actually performed this song in Chicago right before he passed.  I’ve always appreciated Michael we share the same birthday.

3) Who is your musical inspiration?

Britni Elise:  Celine Dion, Prince, Tina Turner, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson are my musical inspirations.

4.) When did you discover your musical talents?

Britni Elise: At the age of two my parents placed a piano in my crib introducing me to music.  At the age of eight I starred in a musical play called the “The Lord Will Make A Way.” That’s when I discovered my musical talents. I knew I was destined for the stage.

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

Britni Elise:  December. I’ve always loved the snow and the feeling of  love  in the air around that time.

6.) What makes you different from other artists?

Britni Elise:  My presence, performance and mindset are unique and individual. I am a combination of all the GREAT artists I grew up studying and the only Britni Elise there is.

7.) What advice would you give to young musicians with dreams of a musical career?

Britni Elise:  Persistence is the key to success. You cannot allow yourself to become discouraged when things aren’t according to “your” plan. Patience and Persistence!

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

Britni Elise:  Cleveland tends to go unnoticed for its actresses, musicians and dancers. Halle Berry, Steve Harvey, Kid Cudi, etc.  are all from Cleveland.

9.) Who would you love to record a track with?

Britni Elise:  I’d love to work with Will.i.am. He’s so creative. Celine Dion as well.

10.) What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?

Britni Elise:  One of the most fulfilling experiences has been the completion of my debut album.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Britni Elise:  SUSHI is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. I have a few..but that’s one.

12.) Who are the Top 5 artists in your ears right now?

Britni Elise:  The top five artists in my ears are Prince, Chris brown, Celine Dion, Usher, and Beyonce

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to?

Britni Elise:  So far Miami is my favorite place to travel.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

Britni Elise:  My ultimate goal in life is to produce life changing music. I’m going to write positive songs that persuade the world.

15.) What can we expect from Britni Elise in the future?

Britni Elise:  You can expect an astounding album and more astonishing performances from Britni Elise in the near future.

Check out the video for Britni Elise’s single “Hello.”

For more on Britni Elise, visit http://www.britnielise.com/BE/.

You can also follow her on twitter @BritniElise or subscribe to her Youtube channel where you can watch more Britni Elise videos.

The building looked like a giant warehouse.  Antoine met me at the door and we proceeded down what seemed like a never-ending hallway lined with nearly 100 doors.  As we walked past the multiple doors, I could hear a different genre of music coming from each room. I felt like I was in a musical zoo with the melodies just screaming to be unleashed.  Antoine finally opened a door to the left to reveal a room that was no larger than twelve by twelve feet.  Waiting inside was a keyboard player, a drummer, a bass player, a lead guitarist, three back-up vocalists, a violinist, and the empty keyboard that Antoine soon stood behind.  After a simple introduction, the band started to pick up where their rehearsal had left off.

As soon as the music started, the room was filled with notes and sound.  The strings resonated, the bass reverberated and the drums pounded.  You not only heard the music in your ears, but you felt it through your entire body. The vibrations were inescapable.  The set was fluid with the transitions from one song to the next seeming seamless.  I loved how the music never stopped.   I couldn’t help but groove to Antoine’s song “You’re Real,” which features a saxophone solo by his back-up vocalist Reuben Marcel.  The live version of this song has a Reggae style which differs from the version featured on Antoine’s website.  The band includes a violinist whose strings are featured on “It’s Over.” The minute I heard the song performed, it spoke to me. There was a sincere soulfulness that anybody who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.  Antoine brings not only up-tempo songs that make you wanna move but also has honest ballads that move you.

The few hours that I spent with Antoine and his band transported me to another place.  It was like time stopped outside of that room.  I was so grateful to have the experience.  It’s not every day that I attend a private listening session with an international musician.  The experience is something I will never forget and will hopefully experience again soon.  Fortunately for you, I brought my camera with me.  Antoine was generous enough to let me capture the moment, even though the live performance is incomparable.  If you don’t have your ticket yet for Saturday’s show, you  need to buy one today.  If the videos below are the rehearsal, I can’t wait to hear the live show.

“She Pleases Me” by Antoine L. Dunn

“I Just Wanna Say” by Antoine L. Dunn

I would like to thank Antoine L. Dunn and his band once again for allowing me to sit in on their rehearsal.

You can get tickets for the April 30 show by clicking here.

For more on Antoine L. Dunn, visit http://antoineldunn.com/

Let this be a lesson to you kids.

Wale at NEXT and Interview from Eighty81 on Vimeo.

Footage from our recent “He’s the Blogger, I’m the DJ” event that featured the likes of Tezo, Erika Kayne, and Machine Gun Kelly. Remember: Any artist can come have their music played/heard! Just bring it in on a USB drive and you’re good!

New Slum Village from their recent, and final, album “Villa Manifesto”. This track features Dilla, Posdnuos from De La Soul, and even some Phife Dawg at the end. What else do you really need to know? Hit play.